How to delete a TCP/IP port?

In an attempt to use a wireless print server with a Vista Business laptop, I followed a link found on Experts Exchange.
I got the printer/ print server to function - for one day. However, the following day, the printer quit working and reported errors.
I attempted to reinstall - trouble, so then deleted the printer and tried setting it from scratch.
However, again, in the process I have to set up a standard TCP/IP port, but I get the message that the port is already in use (from the original printer setup?).
How can I delete the port so I can set up again?

Bring up the Printers and Faxes window: Click Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes; or find it through the Control Panel. Go to the File menu > Server Properties. Select the Ports tab. Select, and delete the TCP/IP port.

1. Go to Printers in the control panel
2. Right click a printer and select "Run as Administrator" > "Properties" (this is if you have UAC, and you will need to click "Continue" on the UAC pop-up)
3. Click on the "Ports" tab from the top.
4. Select the port you want to remove and click "Delete Port"

This should take care of it, and you can recreate the port. Let me know if this doesn't work or you get stuck somewhere.

If you do want to remove it, both sets of instructions given will work. However, make sure no driver uses it before you try. If a driver still uses it, first connect that driver to a different port (e.g. LPT1) under the Ports tab.

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TimLaLAuthor Commented: 2007-10-08

Thanks all.
What I finally had to do was create a new printer (HP Deskjet 930 series) as a local printer.
Once installed, I could "edit" the available ports.

Without doing that, all the ports were "greyed out" and would not allow me to select for editing or deletion.

Final solution: Apple AirPort Extreme - 802.11n router & USB print sever all in one. Clean unit - a bitl more expensive - but worked first time on all the connected computers.

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